University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Rice
Pyles Notches 1,000th Dig in 3-0 Loss to Rice
September 18, 2004 | Volleyball
Sept. 18, 2004
The University of North Carolina volleyball team fell in a three-game sweep to Rice University Saturday afternoon, 30-28, 30-22, 30-24. Senior outside hitter Molly Pyles led the way for Carolina, finishing with 14 kills and 11 digs. Her final dig of the match was number 1,000 for her career. Senior libero Caroline deRoeck added 18 digs for the Tar Heels.
Both teams had opportunities to seize the momentum in game one, and both teams faltered. Rice jumped out to a quick lead, and was dominant in the early moments. After an Owl kill gave them a four-point lead, the Tar Heels went on a 7-3 run to even the match at 14. It then looked as though Carolina would put the game away, as the team put together a sustained run powered by the hitting of Katie Wright and Dani Nyenhuis and led by as many as five at 26-21. But this time UNC lost the advantage, as Rice scored six of the next seven points and eventually served out the game, winning 30-28.
After a see-saw battle in the early moments, Rice took over in the second game. Led by Rebeca Pazo, who had 11 kills and 20 digs through two games, the Owls maintained a comfortable cushion throughout, and won the game easily, 30-22.
Rice continued to dominate in the third and deciding game, jumping out to a 10-4 lead early and never looking back. The Owls had a marked advantage at the net, finishing the match with 13 total team blocks to four for the Tar Heels. RU also out hit UNC .326 to .217 for the match, and .350 to .182 for the third game.
Carolina is back in action for the final time this weekend at 7 p.m. as the Tar Heels host top-ranked Minnesota.
